Vaporizer heat-up times vary MASSIVELY; some will do it in 5 seconds others take a minute. Here’s how the top 19 vaporizer models compare with respect to heat-up times…
When you’re choosing a vaporizer, heat-up time matters. If you’re after a quick hit, go for a model that heats up fast. But if you’re in it for a smooth, extended session, a slower-heating vaporizer might be the way to go.
Here’s a tip you’ll want to remember: fast heat-up times don’t always mean a better experience. Some of the best vaporizers I own take 60 seconds or more to heat-up.
My personal favorite, the Mighty+, takes 60 seconds to heat up – and trust me, it’s worth every second. On the flip side, models like the Firefly 2+ heat up almost instantly, but I’m not a fan of the Firefly line overall (the vapor production is unpredictable and it is fiddly to use).
To help you find the right fit, I’ve gathered heat-up times from every vaporizer review we’ve done over the past two years. This list shows the top 19 models, how fast they heat up, and what materials they handle best – flower, concentrate, or both.
Vaporizer Heat-Up Times Comparison Chart
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| Vaporizer | Heat-Up Time | Material Type |
|---|---|---|
| Firefly 2+ | 3-5 seconds | Flower, Concentrate |
| DynaVap M | Few seconds (torch) | Flower |
| Apollo AirVape Legacy Pro | 15 seconds | Flower |
| PAX Mini | 20 seconds | Flower |
| PAX Plus | 20 seconds | Flower, Concentrate |
| Puffco Plus | 20 seconds | Concentrate |
| AirVape X | 20 seconds | Flower |
| TinyMight 2 | 25 seconds | Flower |
| Venty Vaporizer | 20 seconds | Flower |
| XMAX Starry V4 | 30 seconds | Flower |
| G Pen Elite II | 30 seconds | Flower |
| Boundless CFC 2.0 | 30 seconds | Flower |
| Lobo Vaporizer | 30 seconds | Flower, Concentrate |
| Arizer Solo 2 | 30 seconds | Flower |
| Flowermate V5.0S Pro | 30-40 seconds | Flower |
| Arizer Air MAX | 60-90 seconds | Flower |
| VaporFi Orbit | 60-90 seconds | Flower |
| Mighty Plus | 60 seconds | Flower |
| Crafty Plus | 60 seconds | Flower |
Fast and Slow Heaters: Which Is Right for You?
Some vaporizers get hot in seconds, like the Firefly 2+ or DynaVap M (which uses a torch; it’s a dab rig, not a traditional weed vaporizer), giving you immediate access to flavorful vapor.
But dabbing and the Firefly (for reasons noted in the intro) might not be what you’re looking for.
Premium vaporizers like the Venty and AirVape Legacy Pro are probably the fastest, traditional weed vaporizers on the market right now – and both of these run rings around other quick-heaters like the Pax Plus.
Other notable recommendations would be the Mighty Plus and Crafty Plus. These are both Storz & Bickel vaporizers and while they do take a bit longer to heat up, the battery life and the vapor quality you get are just about the best in the business.
The Crafty+ is basically a smaller, less powerful and cheaper version of the Mighty+ (it delivers great performance but has smaller batteries). The Venty on the other hand is Storz & Bickel’s latest flagship vaporizer. It’s newer, of course, and because of this the Venty surpasses the Mighty+ in a few key areas.
If you’re after speed, the Venty Vaporizer heats up in about 20 seconds, perfect for quick sessions on the go. It is HELLA expensive ($100 more than the Mighty+) and I’d argue the Mighty+ is better value for this reason alone.
Tips for Choosing the Right Vaporizer
When it comes to choosing the right vaporizer, there’s loads of things to consider beyond heat-up times. I’d argue battery life is more important and overall flavor production, for instance.
Now, as someone that has tested over 100 vaporizers in the past 10 years and owns around 40 at the moment, I obviously have some thoughts on what the best options are based on specific needs and wants.
Below is my personal advice on what to get for specific use cases. It ain’t gospel, of course, just my point of view based on my 10+ years of testing these things.
- Fast Sessions: If you’re impatient and want your vaporizer ready fast, go with the Venty vaporizer or the AirVape Legacy Pro – these are premium options. A cheaper, more beginner-friendly option would be the PAX Plus which will also heat up in around 20 seconds – perfect for quick sessions with minimal waiting.
- Longer Sessions: For those who plan on settling in for a longer, more relaxed vape, the Mighty Plus and Crafty Plus (the Crafty is the cheaper of the two) are top choices. Again, they ain’t cheap but they’re incredible devices that’ll last you for the next 10 years. They might take around 60 seconds to heat up, but the payoff is smooth, high-quality vapor for extended sessions. Battery life is also stellar too.
- Flavor vs. Convenience: Conduction heaters, such as the PAX Plus, offer faster heating, making them ideal if you’re after speed and convenience. But for overall flavor, you’ll want a hybrid model like the Mighty+ or the Venty.
- Material Compatibility: If you’re a fan of both flower and concentrate, go for dual-compatible models like the PAX Plus and Lobo Vaporizer. For flower-only sessions, the Venty and Arizer Solo 3 are solid, straightforward options.
- Battery Life: Keep in mind that quick heat-up times often mean more power consumption. So if you want a longer-lasting battery, look at models with moderate heat-up times, like the Arizer Air MAX or Mighty Plus.
Bottom Line
Every vaporizer has its unique heat-up time, material compatibility, and session style. If you’re after speed and performance, go for a model like the Venty; it’s expensive but it is just about the best for speed and overall flavor and performance right now.
I’d still recommend that most people would be better off saving $100 and going with the Mighty+. Why? The performance is practically as good and while it is slower to heat-up, that’s a trade-off I’m willing to make for $100.
But that’s just my take, you do you. I also like the AirVape Legacy Pro; it’s super fast with respect to heat-up times but I prefer the way Storz & Bickel vaporizers hit – but, again, that’s a personal, subjective thing.
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